Chapter 34 – Dental Hand Instruments

60 question-and-answer flashcards reviewing instrument parts, Black’s formula, tray sequence, instrument functions, vocabulary, and accessory items from Chapter 34 on Dental Hand Instruments.

What are the three main parts of every hand instrument?

Handle, shank, and working end.

Which part of a hand instrument does the operator grasp?

The handle.

What is the function of the shank of a hand instrument?

It connects the working end to the handle.

What is the working end of a hand instrument designed to do?

Perform a specific function such as cutting, measuring, or carrying material.

Why is it advantageous to learn both the name and number of pliers and forceps?

Because dentists often refer to instruments by number, but names are also used in textbooks and exams.

In Black’s instrument formula, what does the first number identify?

The width of the blade.

In Black’s instrument formula, what does the second number identify?

The cutting-edge angle.

In Black’s instrument formula, what does the third number identify?

The blade length.

In Black’s instrument formula, what does the optional fourth number identify?

The blade angle.

Who created the instrument formula used to describe blade dimensions and angulations?

G. V. Black.

How is a procedure tray arranged from left to right?

According to the sequence in which instruments are transferred and used.

Which hand does the clinical assistant normally use to transfer instruments?

The left hand.

Where should the most frequently used instruments be placed on the tray?

Closest to the dentist for easy access.

Define the term "beveled" in relation to instrument design.

A sloping surface or edge of an instrument cut at an angle.

What is a "nib" on a dental instrument?

A blunt point or tip.

What does "serrated" mean when describing an instrument?

Having notch-like projections that extend from a flat surface.

What does "tactile" refer to in dentistry?

Having a sense of touch or feel, important for detecting tooth irregularities.

What is a "point" on a dental instrument?

A sharp or tapered end.

List the four instruments that make up a basic setup.

Mouth mirror, explorer, cotton forceps, and periodontal probe.

Name three primary uses of the mouth mirror.

Indirect vision, retraction of tissues, and light reflection.

What is the main purpose of an explorer?

To examine teeth and detect dental issues such as caries and calculus.

For what task are cotton forceps (pliers) primarily used?

Carrying, placing, and retrieving small objects in the oral cavity.

What does a periodontal probe measure?

The sulcus or pocket depth around each tooth.

On the tray, which instrument should be positioned first, the explorer or the mirror?

The explorer should be positioned first, mirror second.

What are spoon excavators used for?

Removing soft dentin, debris, and decay from a tooth preparation.

How does a black spoon differ from a spoon excavator?

It has a flatter appearance but serves the same purpose of removing soft material.

What is the primary use of a hoe in hand cutting?

Planing the walls and floors of a preparation with a push-pull action.

How is the blade of a hoe oriented relative to the handle?

Perpendicular to the handle.

Give two key functions of a chisel.

Breaking down enamel margins and forming sharp lines or point angles.

What type of cutting edge does a chisel have?

A single-beveled cutting edge.

What are hatchets used for during tooth preparation?

Cutting enamel and smoothing walls and floors of the preparation.

How is the cutting edge of a hatchet oriented to the handle’s long axis?

Parallel to the long axis of the handle.

What is the gingival margin trimmer designed to do?

Cut enamel and place bevels along gingival enamel margins of a preparation.

How is a gingival margin trimmer modified compared with a standard chisel?

Its blade is curved slightly to allow mesial or distal access.

What is the function of an amalgam carrier?

To pick up freshly mixed amalgam and carry it to the prepared tooth.

Why are amalgam carriers double-ended with different size wells?

To deliver both large and small increments of amalgam.

What is the primary use of condensers (pluggers)?

Packing (condensing) freshly placed amalgam into the cavity preparation.

Why is a composite condenser often coated with Teflon?

To prevent sticking and discoloration of composite material.

What is a burnisher used for?

Smoothing restorative material, contouring, and polishing margins.

Name three common styles of burnishers.

Football, ball, and acorn (others include T-ball and beaver-tail).

What is the general purpose of carvers?

Removing excess material and carving anatomy before the restoration hardens.

Which surface is the discoid-cleoid carver especially useful on?

Occlusal surfaces.

For what class of restoration is the Hollenback carver commonly used?

Class II restorations (interproximal areas).

What is the amalgam knife designed to remove?

Excess restorative material along the margin where material meets tooth structure.

Why are composite placement instruments made of anodized aluminum or Teflon?

To avoid scratching or discoloring composite material.

Describe the two ends of a Woodson (FP-1) instrument.

One end is a nib resembling a condenser; the other is a paddle for carrying material.

What are flexible stainless-steel spatulas (#15, #24) used for?

Mixing liners, bases, and cements.

Give two common uses of crown and bridge scissors.

Cutting dental dam material and trimming retraction cord or stainless-steel crowns.

What is the purpose of an amalgam well?

Holding freshly mixed amalgam before it is loaded into the carrier.

List two tasks commonly performed with Howe (110) pliers.

Carrying cotton products and placing or removing wedges or matrix bands.

What does an articulating paper holder do?

Carries articulating paper to check a patient's bite after a restoration is placed.

Name the five most common preset cassette categories.

Examination, hygiene, restorative, crown and bridge, and surgical.

What infection-control step must be taken before returning accessory items to storage?

They must be properly disinfected or sterilized.

Which instrument group is placed on the tray immediately after examination instruments?

Hand (manual) cutting instruments.

How is a spoon excavator’s working end typically shaped?

Spoon-shaped and either circular or elongated.

What characteristic distinguishes a burnisher’s working end?

It is smooth (not sharp or serrated).

What kind of edge do carvers possess to sculpt restorative material?

A sharp cutting edge.

What is the purpose of designing the working end of any hand instrument?

To accomplish a specific clinical function efficiently.

In dental terminology, what is a "plane"?

A flat or level surface on the working end of an instrument.